Acapulco police department’s mostly-female brigade help tourists

CCTV News

Battles between rival drug traffickers and criminal activity are at the root of the murder wave in the Mexican resort city of Acapulco. Enter the police department’s mostly-female Tourist Assistance Brigade. The group was created last year to aid at the height of tourist season.

CCTV America’s Franc Contreras reports.

Acapulco police department's mostly-female brigade help tourists

Acapulco police department's mostly-female brigade help tourists

Battles between rival drug traffickers and criminal activity are at the root of the murder wave in the Mexican resort city of Acapulco. Enter the police department's mostly-female Tourist Assistance Brigade. The group was created last year to aid at the height of tourist season. CCTV America's Franc Contreras reports.

To work for the brigade, police officers must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and have completed high school.

They receive three months of training and carry carry handcuffs, mace and metal clubs. But they are not allowed to make arrests.

The idea behind this brigade is to assure the public it’s safe to walk these beaches.

The coordinator of their training says attractive, uniformed women give tourists a greater perception of safety.